Jon Cooke has stepped down as a Non-Executive Director at GPEA, the business that owned Fine & Country and The Guild of Property Professionals, bringing to a close a career spanning more than 35 years across the UK and international property markets.
Cooke (main picture) played a key role in the 2024 transaction that saw Fine & Country and The Guild of Property Professionals acquired by The Property Franchise Group, helping to shape the strategic direction of both brands during a pivotal period for the sector.
He joined The Guild of Property Professionals as a Non-Executive Director in 2001 and was central to the network’s long-term development and growth.
Around the same time, he co-founded Fine & Country with Malcolm Lindley, building the premium estate agency brand into a global network focused on the upper quartile of the market.
SOCIAL IMPACT
Beyond agency, Cooke has been a long-standing advocate for social impact within the industry. He served as a trustee of The Fine & Country Foundation, supporting initiatives addressing homelessness and poverty, and was closely involved in fundraising activity.
Cooke has also been a strong proponent of technology in property, playing a leading role in the evolution of Nurtur, which provides technology services to estate agency and financial services businesses.
Iain McKenzie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, says: “Jon’s contribution to The Guild, Fine & Country and the wider property industry has been nothing short of exceptional.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Jon for many years, and together we have helped shape the strategy and direction of the business through periods of significant growth and change.
“His customer-first mindset, passion for technology and clear vision have left a lasting legacy. On behalf of everyone at The Guild and Fine & Country, I would like to thank Jon for his outstanding service and wish him every success in the future.”
Cooke steps down from GPEA having left a lasting legacy defined by innovation, strategic growth and a continued focus on customers and communities and will continue to pursue innovation within the property sector.
